Potting your houseplants is simple with a few straightforward hints and techniques. Proper potting is essential to setting your plant up for success, whether you want to change the decor or it is overgrown. Let’s take a look at what to know before you repotting.
First things first: repotting refers to replacing the soil or potting mix, not necessarily the planter that it is now in. The nutrients in new soil are new. This is fantastic news if you adore your present planter, but it’s also okay if you want to get a new one or your plant has clearly outgrown its existing container.
Here are 8 basic steps for repotting an ornamental plant:
- A new pot, potting soil, a tiny hand trowel or spoon, and a pair of pruning shears or scissors are all things you’ll need.
- The day before you intend to repot the plant, give it a good soak. This will make the soil easier to work with.
- The plant can be removed from its current container by carefully flipping it upside down and tapping the pot’s base until the plant emerges.
- Gently agitate the dirt around the plant’s roots to remove any compacted areas. Use the scissors to remove any sick or damaged roots.
- Place the plant in the pot by spreading the roots out evenly and adding a tiny amount of potting soil to the bottom of the container.
- Fill the pot with potting soil until the root ball is entirely covered and the soil level is equal to the stem’s base. firm the soil down gently to remove any air pockets.
- Give the plant plenty of water, then let it drain. After repotting, the plant might require support or staking to keep it upright as the soil settles.
- Place the plant in its new place, being careful to monitor the soil’s moisture content and provide the right quantity of light, water, and nutrients.
Repotting should be done on average every 12 to 18 months, depending on how quickly the plant is developing. Some slow-growing plants, like cactus, can live for years in the same pot with only a soil resupply. The ideal time to repot your plants is typical during the growing season, which runs from early spring to late summer. Because they are actively growing at this time, your plants will benefit the most from the extra room and new nutrients!